A client who takes ginseng for stress and a baby aspirin each day reports increased bruising and a decreased ability to clot after injuries. Which intervention should be included in this client's nursing care plan?

Question

a. Encourage to discuss emotional stressors
b. Encourage to discontinue use of baby aspirin
c. Encourage to begin consuming foods that are rich in vitamin K
d. Encourage to discuss the use of dietary supplements with the health-care provider

Answer 1

d. Encourage to discuss the use of dietary supplements with the health-care provider

This client is taking aspirin and ginseng. Both substances increase bleeding times which result in bruising and an inability to clot after injuries. The client should be encouraged to discuss the use of supplements with the primary healthcare provider in order to prevent further interactions between medications and dietary supplements. The client should not be encouraged to consume foods rich in vitamin K to induce better clotting. The greatest priority rests with reducing the problems presented by the dietary supplement. The client should be encouraged to discuss emotional stressors later, but at this time it is most important to address the decreased ability to clot.